Ventilated toilet

ABSTRACT

A toilet device may include a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The device may further include a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. It may also include a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. It may include a nipple molded into the bowl portion of the toilet bowl and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, where the nipple may include an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. It may further include a ventilation channel connected to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel at a second end of the ventilation channel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure is generally related to the field of toilets and, in particular, to a ventilated toilet.

BACKGROUND

Toilets provide for the safe and effective isolation and removal of solid and liquid waste. The mechanisms relied on by toilets to accomplish these goals may range from simple to very complex. Typical toilets may rely on gravitational effects and siphoning techniques to contain and transport waste to septic systems or to sewer systems. However, the solid and liquid waste may also be associated with gases and/or particle plumes that may create odors and, in some cases, may also create a health hazard. In particular, the particle plumes may carry pathogens that can contribute to disease transmission.

External exhaust systems have been developed to reduce odors and other airborne particulates that may be associated with toilet use. These external exhaust systems typically use fans to create an airflow in the vicinity of the toilet and to transport the air away from a restroom, bathroom, water closet, or other location where the toilet may be situated. However, these external exhaust systems may be positioned in a ceiling or wall and at a distance from the source of the gases or particulates. Thus, it may take some time before the external exhaust system has a noticeable effect.

In some cases, ventilation systems may be incorporated into toilet systems themselves. In these cases, the toilet systems may include ventilation passages for moving odors out of the toilet directly. Current toilet ventilation systems may incorporate ventilation systems into previously existing channels within the toilet, such as through flush jets in a rim of the toilet. In cases where independent ventilation channels exist, current toilet ventilations systems may require toilet bowls to be custom molded to incorporate a complex system of both ventilation channels and water channels. Further, current toilet ventilation systems may be susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel and causing damage to fans, or other electrical equipment used for ventilation. Also, current toilet ventilation systems may not have ventilation channels optimally positioned relative to the toilet bowl to provide effective ventilation. Current toilet ventilation systems may not have a shape that enables effective and non-intrusive ventilation of the inside of a toilet bowl. Other disadvantages may exist.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a toilet ventilation system that includes a nipple that can be molded into the bowl portion of a toilet with a first side protruding into a toilet bowl area and a second side connected to a ventilation channel. The first side of the nipple may be positioned underneath a lip of the rim. This side of the nipple may have a flattened oval shape that causes little intrusion into the functioning of the bowl while also providing adequate ventilation. An opening may be positioned on an underside of the nipple reducing the introduction of liquid or solid waste from above. The other side of the nipple may have a circular shape to enable good airflow into a ventilation channel. The nipple may be modular such that it can be incorporated into multiple types of toilets. The ventilation channel may direct air from the toilet bowl area into a downstream portion of a waste channel. The ventilation channel may include a fan and a one-way valve to ensure air movement in only one direction. Each of the components of the ventilation channel may be safe for use with air or water. In this way, the ventilation channel can also be used as an overflow channel in the case of stopped or blocked toilet.

In an embodiment, a toilet device includes a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The toilet device further includes a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The toilet device also includes a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The toilet device includes a nipple molded into the bowl portion of the toilet bowl and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. The toilet device further includes a ventilation channel connected to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel at a second end of the ventilation channel.

In some embodiments, the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, where the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap. In some embodiments, the waste channel includes a flush valve, and the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve. In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and wherein the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion. In some embodiments, a one-way valve positioned along the ventilation channel. In some embodiments, the one-way valve includes an angled flap valve. In some embodiments, the toilet device includes comprising a fan configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel. In some embodiments, the ventilation channel is watertight to enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the egress channel of the nipple.

In an embodiment, a molded toilet bowl includes a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The molded toilet bowl further includes a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The molded toilet bowl also includes a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The molded toilet bowl includes a nipple molded into the bowl portion of the toilet bowl and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion of the toilet bowl. The molded toilet bowl further includes an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel.

In some embodiments, the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, where the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap. In some embodiments, waste channel includes a flush valve, and wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve. In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and wherein a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion.

In an embodiment, a method of forming a toilet device includes forming a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface. The method further includes forming a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface. The method also includes forming a rim positioned above the bowl portion, where the rim defines a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion. The method includes molding a nipple into the bowl portion, where the nipple protruded from the interior surface underneath the lip, and where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion. The method further includes forming an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel.

In some embodiments, a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening. In some embodiments, the method includes connecting a ventilation channel to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connecting the ventilation channel to the downstream portion of the waste channel through the opening in the sidewall at a second end of the ventilation channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a section view of a first side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of a second side of the embodiment of the toilet ventilation system.

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-out depiction of a portion of an embodiment of a ventilation channel of a toilet ventilation system.

FIG. 4 is a section view of a side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of an embodiment of a nipple for a ventilation toilet system.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method of forming a toilet ventilation system.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , a sectional view of a first side of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system 100 is depicted. This may correspond to a siphon-based toilet, such as those used in residences. The system 100 may include a bowl portion 102 having an interior volume 104, as represented by the dotted line withing the bowl portion 102, and an interior surface 106. The system 100 may further include a waste channel 108.

The waste channel 108 may connect to the interior volume 104 of the bowl portion through an opening 110 in the interior surface. 106. The waste channel 108 may extend downward from the opening 110 and may rise above a height 112 of the opening 110. The waste channel 108 may then drop below the height 112 of the opening 110. This path may define a trap 114, represented by the dotted trapezoid. A downstream portion 116 of the waste channel 108 may be separated from the interior volume 104 of the bowl portion 102 by the trap 114.

The system 100 may include a rim 118 positioned above the bowl portion 102. The rim 118 may define a lip 120 that overhangs from the interior surface 106 of the bowl portion 102. Although not depicted, the rim may include water jet openings to enable and facilitate flushing. These water jet openings may be distinct and separate from any ventilation openings for ventilating the bowl portion 102.

The system 100 may include a nipple 122 molded into the bowl portion 102. The nipple 122 may protrude from the interior surface 106 underneath the lip 120 and pass through the interior surface 106. The nipple 122 may include an egress channel (depicted in FIG. 5 ) connected to the interior volume 104 of the bowl portion 102. The bowl portion 102 may have a front side 123 and a rear side 125. The front side 123 is defined herein as the side that enable a user to comfortably overhang their legs while sitting over the bowl portion 102. The rear side 125 typically includes a connection for a lid 127 and/or other plumbing. The nipple 122 may be positioned at the rear side 125 of the bowl portion 102. This position may put the nipple 122 near gas and airborne particulates that may be introduced into the interior volume 104 of the bowl portion 102 to enable effective ventilation.

The system may include an opening 124 in a sidewall of the downstream portion 116 of the waste channel 108. The opening 124 may enable a ventilation channel (depicted in FIG. 2 ) to connect to the egress channel (depicted in FIG. 5 ) of the nipple 122 and to connect to the downstream portion 116 of the waste channel 108. As described herein this may enable airflow from the interior volume 104 of the bowl portion 102 into the downstream portion 116 of the waste channel 108.

Some benefits and advantages of the system 100 are that, by providing a ventilation channel through the nipple 122 at the rear side 125 of the bowl portion 102, the system 100 may be less susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel. Further, by positioning the nipple 122 under the lip 120, a direct channel for effective ventilation can be created in contrast to existing systems that may position ventilation channels at other locations. Other benefits may exist.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a second side of the embodiment of the toilet ventilation system 100 is depicted. The nipple 122 may extend through the bowl portion 102 at a rear side 125 of the bowl portion. A ventilation channel 226 (represented in FIG. 2 by arrows) may be connected to an egress channel of the nipple 122 at a first end 228 of the ventilation channel 226. The ventilation channel 226 may also be connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel (depicted in FIG. 1 ) at a second end 230 of the ventilation channel 226 through the opening 124.

The system 100 may include a fan 234, which may be configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel 226. The fan 234 may be driven by a motor 235. The airflow generated by the fan 234 may enable ventilation of the interior volume of the bowl portion 102. Further, the ventilation channel 226 may be watertight and the fan 234 may be resistant to water. This may enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion 102 if and while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the nipple 122. If the bowl portion 102 becomes clogged to stopped, the ventilation channel 226 may be used as an emergency overflow channel.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a portion of the system 100 is depicted. The depiction includes a cutout to show an interior 333 of the ventilation channel 226. Within the ventilation channel 226, the system 100 may include a one-way valve 331. The one-way valve 331 may include an angled flap valve 332. This may enable movement of air away from the nipple 122, when the fan 234 is operating, while restricting air flow from the ventilation channel 226 to enter into the nipple 122.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a sectional view of an embodiment of a toilet ventilation system 400 is depicted. This may correspond to a valve-based toilet, such as those used in recreational vehicles, other vehicles, or other applications. The system 400 may include a bowl portion 402 having an interior volume 404, as represented by the dotted line withing the bowl portion 402, and an interior surface 406. The system 400 may further include a waste channel 408.

The waste channel 408 may connect to the interior volume 404 of the bowl portion through an opening 410 in the interior surface 406. The waste channel 408 may include a waste valve 414. A downstream portion 416 of the waste channel 408 may be separated from the interior volume 404 of the bowl portion 402 by the waste valve 414.

The system 400 may include a rim 418 positioned above the bowl portion 402. The rim 418 may define a lip 420 that overhangs from the interior surface 406 of the bowl portion 402. As with the system 100, the system 400 may include a nipple 422 molded into the bowl portion 402.

The nipple 422 may protrude from the interior surface 406 underneath the lip 420 and pass through the interior surface 406. The nipple 422 may include an egress channel (depicted in FIG. 5 ) connected to the interior volume 404 of the bowl portion 402. The bowl portion 402 may have a front side 423 and a rear side 425. The rear side 425 typically includes a connection for a lid 427 and/or other plumbing. The nipple 422 may be positioned at the rear side 425 of the bowl portion 402. This position may put the nipple 422 near gas and airborne particulates that may be introduced into the interior volume 404 of the bowl portion 402 to enable effective ventilation.

The system may include an opening 424 in a sidewall of the downstream portion 416 of the waste channel 408. The opening 424 may enable a ventilation channel 426 (depicted by the dotted arrows) to connect to the egress channel (depicted in FIG. 5 ) of the nipple 422 and to connect to the downstream portion 416 of the waste channel 408. As described herein this may enable airflow from the interior volume 404 of the bowl portion 402 into the downstream portion 416 of the waste channel 408.

The system 400 may include a fan 434, which may be configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel 426. The fan 434 may be driven by a motor 435. The airflow generated by the fan 434 may enable ventilation of the interior volume of the bowl portion 402. The ventilation channel 426 may have a valve 431 to ensure that air does not pass from the downstream portion 416 of the waste channel 408 back into the bowl portion 402. Further, the ventilation channel 426 may be watertight and the fan 434 may be resistant to water. This may enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion 402 if and while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the nipple 422. If the bowl portion 402 becomes clogged to stopped, the ventilation channel 426 may be used as an emergency overflow channel.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an embodiment of a nipple 500 is depicted. The nipple 500 may be usable with multiple toilet ventilation systems. For example, the nipple 500 may correspond to the nipple 122 or the nipple 422. A first end 536 of the nipple may be flattened such that it has an oval shaped cross-section. A second end 538 of the nipple may have a circular cross-section to facilitate connection to circular pipes. The nipple 500 may be hollow to define an egress channel 540. A downward facing opening 542 may enable air to enter the egress channel 540.

A benefit of the nipple 500 is that it may be used with multiple toilet ventilation systems and can be molded into different types of toilets. The nipple 500 may also have a shape that enables effective and non-intrusive ventilation of the inside of a toilet bowl. For example, the flattened oval shape at the first end 536 of the nipple 500 may render the nipple 500 less intrusive than other ventilation systems. Further, the nipple 500 may be less susceptible to liquids or solids entering the ventilation channel because the opening 542 faces downward. Other advantages may exist.

Referring to FIG. 6 , an embodiment of a method 600 of forming a toilet ventilation system is depicted. The method 600 may include forming a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface, at 602. For example, the bowl portion 102 of the toilet ventilation system 100 may be formed. As another example, the bowl portion 402 of the toilet ventilation system 400 may be formed.

The method 600 may further include forming a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface, at 604. For example, the waste channel 108 of the toilet ventilation system 100 may be formed. As another example, the waste channel 408 of the toilet ventilation system 400 may be formed.

The method 600 may also include forming a rim positioned above the bowl portion, where the rim defines a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion, at 606. For example, the rim 118 of the toilet ventilation system 100 may be formed. As another example, the rim 418 of the toilet ventilation system 400 may be formed.

The method 600 may include molding a nipple into the bowl portion, where the nipple protrudes from the interior surface underneath the lip, and where the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion, at 608. For example, the nipple 122 may be molded into the bowl portion 102. As another example, the nipple 422 may be molded into the bowl portion 402.

The method 600 may include forming an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of a waste channel, at 610. For example, the opening 124 may be formed. As another example, the opening 424 may be formed.

The method 600 may further include connecting a ventilation channel to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connecting the ventilation channel to the downstream portion of the waste channel through the opening in the sidewall at a second end of the ventilation channel, at 612.

A benefit of the method 600 is that a toilet ventilation system may be formed that includes several benefits over current ventilation systems. The benefits may include having a nipple that can be used for multiple different types of toilets to provide an egress channel for ventilation, having a ventilation channel that is optimally positioned relative to a toilet bowl to provide effective ventilation. Other advantages may exist.

Although various embodiments have been shown and described, the present disclosure is not so limited and will be understood to include all such modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toilet device comprising: a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface; a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface; a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion; a nipple molded into the bowl portion and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, wherein the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion; and a ventilation channel connected to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connected to a downstream portion of the waste channel at a second end of the ventilation channel.
 2. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap.
 3. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the waste channel includes a flush valve, and wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve.
 4. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and wherein a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section.
 5. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening.
 6. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and wherein the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion.
 7. The toilet device of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve positioned along the ventilation channel.
 8. The toilet device of claim 7, wherein the one-way valve includes an angled flap valve.
 9. The toilet device of claim 1, further comprising a fan configured to generate fluid flow within the ventilation channel.
 10. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the ventilation channel is watertight to enable water to drain from the interior volume of the bowl portion while a water level in the bowl portion is above a height of the egress channel of the nipple.
 11. A molded toilet bowl comprising: a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface; a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface; a rim positioned above the bowl portion and defining a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion; a nipple molded into the bowl portion and protruding from the interior surface underneath the lip, wherein the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion; and an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel.
 12. The molded toilet bowl of claim 11, wherein the waste channel rises above a height of the opening and drops below the height of the opening to define a trap, wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the trap.
 13. The molded toilet bowl of claim 11, wherein the waste channel includes a flush valve, and wherein the downstream portion of the waste channel is separated from the interior volume of the bowl portion by the flush valve.
 14. The molded toilet bowl of claim 11, wherein a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and wherein a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section.
 15. The molded toilet bowl of claim 11, wherein the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening.
 16. The molded toilet bowl of claim 11, wherein the bowl portion has a front side and a rear side, and wherein the nipple passes through the interior surface of the bowl portion at the rear side of the bowl portion.
 17. A method of forming a toilet device comprising: forming a bowl portion having an interior volume and an interior surface; forming a waste channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion through an opening in the interior surface; forming a rim positioned above the bowl portion, wherein the rim defines a lip that overhangs from the interior surface of the bowl portion; molding a nipple into the bowl portion, wherein the nipple protrudes from the interior surface underneath the lip, and wherein the nipple includes an egress channel connected to the interior volume of the bowl portion; and forming an opening in a sidewall of a downstream portion of the waste channel.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a first end of the nipple has an oval shaped cross-section, and wherein a second end of the nipple has a circular cross-section.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the egress channel of the nipple connects to the interior volume of the bowl portion through a downward facing opening.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising connecting a ventilation channel to the egress channel of the nipple at a first end of the ventilation channel and connecting the ventilation channel to the downstream portion of the waste channel through the opening in the sidewall at a second end of the ventilation channel. 